Sorry guys!
Lifes been kicking us in the Cunts lately-
So here's 1 of 2...
She lets out a heavy sigh as she marvels at the map.
Her gaze slowly moves from one dot to another, some moving, some stationary, but all present.
She couldn't remember the last time she'd been able to take a full breath-
But this?
She grins, this was too good to be true.
How many times had she freaked out over not knowing where her people-
T.
Where T was.
Sure, her people too, but T made her eye twitch with how often he found himself in 'unavoidable' situations.
Her eyes sweep over 'T' written in glacier blue, as her breathing comes easier.
How long had she wanted something like this?
Wished for it?
She resists the urge to hug the damned thing.
Finally, though.
She already felt lighter.
Her cheeks hurt-
Sea God's when was the last time she smiled like this?
Her chest aches painfully.
Easy answer? Too long.
She shakes her head before she slowly rolls it up.
She needed to thank Faustina for drawing it on canvas-
Her eyes sweep over the black spots dotting the back.
Cruella.
She turns in the direction of Auradon with a frown.
What would the Pup and Blue Princess think if they ever found out their OVs were gone?
That T had killed them?
Hopefully relief-
But she doubted it would be that simple.
She knew from her own relationship with her mother that the bond was riddled with layers and contradictions.
She was pretty sure everyone wanted their parents' approval at one point or another. At least that was true for most of her family-
Except for her Problem Child and Beauty Girl-
She didn't even want to think of the complexity of that situation.
She shakes her head.
Nope.
All she could do was hope if they ever did meet again, preferably on the Auradon side of the barrier-
They wouldn't resent him for it.
She wasn't sure if T would be able to handle it-
She wasn't even sure how he was dealing with everything now-
Honestly, wasn't sure how any of them kept rolling with the crashing waves that kept trying to knock them down.
She snorts.
Probably because they didn't have a choice-
Not one they could live with anyway.
Not when they had the resources to help.
A safe place to rest.
Not while the Isle was in ruins.
Maleficent was gone, probably biding her time to strike Auradon.
Children had been, and maybe still were being, rounded up like fish in a barrel to be sacrificed.
A sour tang fills her mouth.
Children, toddlers, babies-
Sacrificed.
Her eyes narrow, and for what?
Freedom?
She'd lived her whole life here, and yeah it had its downs-
But she couldn't fathom it being that loathsome that it was worth that.
That anything would be worth that.
Her jaw tenses.
And she refused to give them another opportunity to do so. Not while she was Captain of her beloved ship.
Fuck, she'd been so young when she'd won her.
So full of determination to get her and her family out of this hell-
It was so laughable now. Thinking that working with her mother and living under Maleficent's rule had been hell-
She'd been so stupid.
Close minded.
Didn't know the depths of depravity those around her would dive in order for a taste of-
Her eyes narrow.
Not freedom.
People who were willing to sacrifice babies weren't doing it out of desperation.
They were doing it for revenge.
It was enough to make her sick-
She sighs.
-enough that she was willing to put her family in harm's way.
She never even considered she'd be capable of that.
Her eyes flick to the lab.
It had been the opposite, in fact.
She'd done everything she could to keep them safe and protected. Something she wasn't even sure her Problem Child and Beauty Girl ever got to understand or appreciate.
Her heart constricts as she closes her eyes.
That hurt more as a solid thought than it had as a feeling.
Especially when she knew that there was nothing she could do to change it.
Another sigh passes her lips at the painful realization.
She shakes her head as she adjusts her grip on the map before heading to the lab.
"Faustina?"
"Mhmm."
She bites her lip before her eyes dart to the sign.
Please, feel free to enter
She sighs as she ventures forward.
The memory of the gas bomb still fresh in her mind as she thinks of the toxic smoke.
Damn if that shit hadn't burnt like hell.
She rises on her tiptoes to check what currently held Faustina's interest.
Whatever it was, it was in open vials and a strange looking orange-ish brown.
So, at least not the bombs?
She looks around the cave again before she sighs.
There had to be a better way to get her attention.
A safer way.
"Faustina?" She sing-songs as she walks in, "I'm in your space and hoping to not be blown up."
"Mhmm."
She hesitates once more as she watches the girl dip a glass straw into a mud colored vial before she stirs the first of the ones in front of her.
Nothing was smoking.
Nothing bubbled.
"Faustina?" She leans one elbow against the table.
"How many times have I-" Faustina pauses mid-turn, "Captain."
"Ah," she snorts as she leans further against the table, "so you do sometimes yell at him for bothering you."
Faustina's face burns a bright red as she turns to face her, "I don't recall denying it."
Red over a distinct small handprint of a bruise.
"What the hell happened to your face?" She demands as she cups her hands around the taller girl's jaw to get a better look.
Faustina holds up her hand, "It was justified, I had T come out to assist me, and he said something incredibly rude. And I already took care of it, I promise."
She holds her hand over the purple and red hand shape that was far smaller than her own.
"T. Said something rude." She blinks in disbelief, but there was no denying who this hand print was left by, "To Deez. And she slapped him?"
"Oh, it reverberated, personally I'm surprised no one heard it."
"Deez slapped T?"
"She had proper call to."
"Like what?' She chokes, trying to deaden the shrill scream she could feel building.
Faustina winces, "He told her she was like her father when it came to telling him he wasn't allowed to die, sir."
Her eye twitches, and she finds herself struggling to pick the problem from the mess that tumbled out of Faustina's mouth.
The fact that she was calling her 'sir' again, or the fact that T told Deez she was just like her father.
Or maybe it was the part where Deez told T he wasn't allowed to die.
Like, how did that topic come up?
Sure, they were in the middle of a nightmare, but what prompted this conversation about death that led to T being slapped by her Baby Girl?
She huffs as she crosses her arms over her chest, the rolled up map momentarily forgotten as it rolls to a stop on the table in front of her.
All of it.
All of it was a problem.
"Okay, first of all," she stumbles over where to start, "why ya 'sir'ing me again?"
Faustina drops her eyes as she fidgets, "sorry, Captain. It just came out."
"Okay," she takes a deep breath, "why would T say something that would make Deez freak out over him dying?"
She shifts, "while you were out, I may have left him with something to try."
She drags a hand down her face, "okay, and the part where I said no experimenting on yourself?"
"T doesn't really think about those things when he sees something I've brewed in front of him."
"But you knew that I didn't want you to experiment on yourself."
"Correct," she starts tracing a pattern on the table.
Her eyes narrow.
"So, you, knowing that you needed someone with you if you wanted to experiment, left something out and then let T come out, knowing he would try it?"
"To be fair, it was a previous trial that I knew wasn't fatal, I just altered some ingredients and repurposed it. On that note, I feel like it would be an insult if I said anything but yes."
At least she was upfront about that part.
"Alright, let me see if I have the whole story now," She presses her fingers to her temples, "you let T out to drink an experiment that you've tested before but are now repurposing for something else, something that you left in front of him knowing he would drink. And after drinking this newly repurposed concoction, T proceeded to talk about death, with Deez. Who then told T he wasn't allowed to die, which any of us would have told him. But, because it was Deez telling him he wasn't allowed to die, he said she was like Senior. And after being compared to her fucking asshole of a father, she slapped T. Hard. In the face."
"Yes, that would be a precise summation, Captain."
"And then, completely fine with the fact she slapped T hard enough to bruise like that, felt like it was fine for her and Gil to go to Yensid's house?"
"Well, I highly doubt she was completely alright, she'd just slapped T in the face, but Gil was with her, so she was in good care. And, to be honest, that conversation was all over the place, ending with Deez kissing T and running off in excitement."
She blinks as she drags her fingers from her temples to cover her mouth as she takes a deep breath. "So Deez, not only slapped T, she then kissed him and ran off? Excited about something?"
"Recited scrupulously, Captain."
She shakes her head, taking the tone as affirmation, since she had no idea what scrupulously meant.
"And what was she excited about?"
Faustina tilts her head, "something to do with popping?" Her lips twitch before she coughs into her fist, "and then proceeded to proclaim him a genius."
"So, some kind of dot connecting, then?"
"I would imagine that would explain her swift change in demeanor."
She nods as she drops her hands to her hips.
Faustina shifts in discomfort, her eyes everywhere but her. "T was just in one of his moods, she pulled him out of it, though."
"So, slapping him and then kissing him helps?" She can't help her snort, "I'll have to keep that in mind."
"Well, to be more exact, the slapping seemed to help more, he was rather proud of himself in fact. The kissing just left him confused."
Ah.
That sounded more like her Problem Child.
"So, no one is upset about this slap?"
"Not to my current knowledge, though that is subject to change upon Deez's mood later."
She gestures with one hand dismissively, "I mean you an' T. You were the ones that got hurt."
She'd have to talk to Deez, of course, but if Faustina and T weren't angry over it-
"Oh, well I didn't feel it, and as I said T was rather smug about it so… No."
She rolls her eyes, "okay, first, I'm putting more ointment on it." She looks around the workroom for the familiar goop.
Faustina nods before she steps away and slides a tin off a shelf she never would have reached before she offers it to her. "I've got a basket full of more, and another few batches on the way."
She nods as she takes the tin and twists it open, "you've gotten a lot done." She looks up with a smile, "I'm glad we got this place made for you."
Faustina smiles, "it has made working so much easier and efficient, I've increased productivity by eighty percent due to the number of sets Deez crafted," She pauses, "I really do appreciate how thoughtful all of you are."
"I know how much it was bothering you that you could only work small batches," She easily rubs a bit of the ointment into the bruise before she passes the tin back, "and we'll need all the help you can give us while you're not here."
Faustina nods, "I'm doing my best, Captain." She shifts as she gestures to a disquieting looking orange liquid. "I believe I even managed a tonic to help those in the field."
"Is it something we should be briefed on?"
Faustina nods, 'I haven't run trials on it yet, but I'm really excited about what it could do for all of you."
"We'll get to that, promise. That sounds exciting," she shifts to retrieve the rolled up canvas before she taps it against the table, "but first, got a minute?"
"Of course Captain," Faustina sobers, "what can I help you with?"
"Look what Deez and Gil brought back." She shimmies her shoulders as she unrolls the map and lays it in a clear space.
Faustina's eyes brighten as she takes in the map, "this is perfect." she smiles, "and hopefully another safeguard to quell your concerns."
"Beauty Girl, there ain't enough of anything in the whole world to help me there." She lightly runs a finger over the map, absently connecting the different colored dots with an imaginary line.
"That sounds like you," Faustina sighs, "though it's not going to stop me from trying to assuage them."
"Fair 'nough." She looks over the dots again-
Harry, James, and Beam were working together on the ship to teach anyone who wanted to learn how to defend themselves.
Dizzy was especially happy with her new scissor style, as she called it.
Which already had Gil and Deez working to create a new weapon for her.
Her eyes travel from the orange and pink dots to Faustina and her's.
It really did make a huge difference, knowing where everyone was.
Her gaze jumps to the middle of town, where Yensid's lone yellow dot was still unmoving.
She owed him so much.
More than she'd ever thought she'd owe an adult.
Even after everything, it was still difficult to wrap her mind about an adult caring about them.
She'd been so wary of him before-
Hated that Deez hung out with some creepy old man.
How uncomfortable she'd felt at just the idea.
"T's going to be salivating heavily over this," Faustina smiles, "that is until he starts lamenting he couldn't have had one sooner."
"I get it, I still want to hug the damn thing."
Faustina chuckles as she tenderly caresses the hangout, "if nothing else, it will make things easier."
"Easier-" she snorts at the simplicity of the statement, "this makes everything better. It's not just about knowing where everyone is anymore, we'll be able to use this strategically too."
Faustina nods, "most assuredly." Her thoughtful eyes slowly sweep the map again.
She smiles, "it was really clever of Pretty Boy wasn't it?"
"Very much so," Faustina nods as she traces the deep red dot with a small smile, "he's going to be pleased to see this."
"Aye," She agrees as her eyes bounce back to the orange and pink dot, "who'd have guessed so many hobbies could become such needed things."
Green eyes turn to her, "I've always found hobbies to be ruled by people's passions, and I believe every passion has a purpose."
"Well, yes," she turns and rests her back against the table, "still, how did you take something that grows here and turn it into all this?" She gestures to the many bubbling tubes and glass containers.
Faustina smiles, "well, I certainly didn't know my interest would evolve like this when T first brought a batch of herbs home for me."
"I wonder what made him look at that shit and think you'd want to try using it."
Faustina smiles, "I was already making medicine for Fa-" She flinches,"Frollo-"
Ice runs through her veins.
"-so T just thought it was the next most logical step." Her smile brightens, "I thought he was a complete imbecile at the time-Especially when I saw what it had done to his hands, but he's always had a knack for getting under my skin, and when he told me I couldn't make anything with it…"
She flexes her hold on the table edge behind her before she shifts to rest her elbows against the surface, "Ah, he goaded you." She teases before she rolls her lips together thoughtfully, "Deez always says T has a logic to him, and he's always been so, aware of the things people are good at."
"T likes feeling useful, so he likes to make sure others feel that way as well," Faustina pauses, "and though yes, it can be hard to conceive, there is usually rhythm to his rhyme. It's the way he plays, therein lies the issue."
"Is that a fancy way of saying he's terrible at explaining himself?"
"Yes," Faustina nods, "according to him, it's because it takes up too much time to walk people through his thought process. Which, let me be clear, it is a logistical nightmare that would take some time to understand. But all he wants to do is implement it and move on to the next task".
She blinks before she nods.
Yeah. Hindsight being what it was, that made a lot of sense.
Deez had a similar problem.
She shakes her head, "anyway, I wasn't trying to interrupt your work, I just wanted someone else to be as excited about this map as I am."
"Which I greatly appreciate," Faustina smiles, "it is quite incredible, and a wonderful reassurance." She fidgets, "but since you are here-" She bites her lip, "there is a concern I'd like to speak to you about."
"Oh?"
Faustina nods, "You've shared your disapproval of trying experiments on ourselves- but it is making it difficult to proceed with the tonic I am currently working with." She shifts, "and I am at a loss on how to make certain it can be utilized for its intended purpose." She bites her lip, "so as much as I'd like to not place this problem at your feet, I do request how you'd like me to pursue it."
She tilts her head to the side, "what is it?"
Faustina shifts, "my hope is its something that provides the recipient vitality when they become weary."
"That sounds useful." Her eyes narrow, "wait, this wouldn't be something that makes you stay awake?"
Faustina drops her eyes, "that could be a potential side effect, though I won't know for certain without trials."
She frowns as she braces against the table and reaches over to gesture at the vials, "is this them?"
"Yes, Captain."
"What are you looking for with trials?" She asks as she picks one up.
"To see if I managed the right formula-"
She shrugs before she downs the vial.
Faustina grimaces, "or to see if I've made a lethal mistake."
Her eyes widen, but the repulsive taste makes her swallow automatically, "lethal?"
"Potentially-That's why T tries it before we share it with others."
She blinks down at the empty vial in her hand before she looks up, "well, you're both still alive." She grimaces at the strange sound her stomach makes.
"Yes, there is that." Faustina eyes her in concern, "but never without repercussions."
"Like maybe make sure you don't drink it on an empty stomach?" She shivers as her stomach twists again.
Faustina blinks before she races to grab a pen and notebook, quickly scrawling the note before she looks up again, "Why? Is it hurting? Do you feel nauseous? Or do you feel like something's going to burst out of you?"
"That last one is specific."
"I said feel like. It's just a possibility, and according to T a common side effect."
"I feel like I swallowed a couple eels, and they're battling it out in my stomach."
Faustina nods, "that makes sense, it did settle quite weightily."
She nods as she passes the empty vial across the table, "but I don't feel sick, if that helps."
Faustina nods, "and we've pushed past the point where T vomits, so, so far we're off to a good start."
At least she didn't have to worry about that.
She pulls the map back and looks it over again.
There was so much to think about.
So much to plan.
So many things that couldn't be planned for.
"So," Faustina asks after a moment, "I do have to inquire, what notion crossed your mind when you decided to upend an experiment?"
"That you needed someone to do it, and right now I'm not doing anything useful except trying to think of everything that could happen and things we can't possibly see coming." Her eyes narrow as her heart flutters strangely.
"It was still rather-" She pauses as she poises her pen over the page, "what is it? Your pupils are dilating at a noticeable rate."
"Um, my heart is racing?" She takes a deep breath, "like I just grabbed an eel with no gloves."
"I see," Faustina jots it down, "your speech pattern has shifted as well. How's your breath coming?"
The edge of weariness she'd had since she could remember was gone.
Just. Gone.
She jumps to her feet with a grin, "I'm breathing. And I feel so-" she looks down at her hands as she flexes her fingers, "I feel great."
Faustina eyes her curiously, "oh?"
"I've been trying to take it easy because I'm not sure when we're going to start, but sea gods! I want to swim. Maybe fish? We could use more food supplies."
Faustina narrows her eyes, "though I understand your hesitation to exert your energy, you've already drank the tonic. I would hate for you to have some and not utilize it, especially when I imagine there's going to be recoil from this."
"Yeah?" She drums her fingers across the table, "wait, recoil?"
Faustina nods as she adds a note, "yes, there is a good chance you're going to succumb to exhaustion by the end of this. Your body can only handle adrenaline for so long."
"So, this isn't something someone could drink continuously to stay awake?"
"Well," Faustina frowns, "in an emergency it would probably be for the best- but regularly? I wouldn't suggest it."
"But, eventually, you would run out and sleep?"
"Eventually." Faustina nods.
It helped knowing that so long as they controlled how much anyone had access to, no one would be able to abuse it. "How long do you think it'll last?"
Faustina tilts her head, "I'm uncertain Captain, but I am hoping to extend its capabilities to six hours… But at the moment? This is the most potent concentration I've come up with."
"So, you need me to come back when it starts to fade?"
"That would be the wisest course of action, if you're actually comfortable with swimming in this-"
"I'm always comfortable with swimming," She waves her off, already walking towards the edge of the cave to see the rolling sea beneath them, "I'll pay attention for anything weird. Keep an eye on the map if you can."
"Of course, Captain."
This was great.
She'd be able to chase after bigger fish today.
"Hope ya like shark, Baby," Freddie greets as she walks into the galley.
"Shark?" She tilts her head to the side.
Freddie snorts as she places the back of her palm against her hip, "no way she didn't fuckin' tell ya, she was smug as fuuuuuuuuuuck. Girl's so gorgeous with that grin," she fans herself with her hand, "and that glint in her eye, it was enough to make any girl wet."
"Um-" She frowns as she inches closer to Yensid's room, "Uma caught a shark?"
"No," Freddie grins, "she caught two. An' they ain't fuckin' small."
Huh.
Uma was usually against the idea of hunting sharks. With so many swarming around the Isle, it was dangerous to injure one.
Feeding frenzy.
"I guess that's why she was so tired." Her lips pout.
Or was there more to it?
She'd been surprised to find Uma sleeping in Faustina's workroom at the cove, not because it was unusual for her to sleep around Faustina, but because it was strange that Uma was sleeping at all right now.
"No shit," Freddie shakes her head, "didn't know she knew how to do that. Wicked for her. Fuck know's you guys need it."
"Doesn't everyone right now?" She shrugs.
"Tch, not like that, we don't- Which thank you-Cause fuck that."
"Well, you're the one running the new garden and cooking, so thank you."
"Ha, I'd take that any day over suicide missions."
Her brow furrows as she turns away, "it's not suicide missions. Just, ya know, dangerous."
"Yeah, dangerously stupid. Not that I'm complainin'. Love my girls with an edge."
She rolls her eyes before she waves over her shoulder, "looking forward to trying shark."
"You should be, me and Celia owned those bitches."
She shivers as she knocks on the door.
She could only imagine how gross cleaning a shark was.
"Talk to you later, my perfect Princess."
"Not perfect, or a Princess." she grumbles.
"Are to me!" Freddie sing-songs as she skips back towards the kitchens.
Well, she was in a mood.
A cheerful one.
Though with Uma bringing in two sharks, she supposed everyone had a reason to be cheerful.
Sounded like they were getting full meals tonight.
"Hello, my dear." Yensid smiles as he steps to the side before he follows her inside the room, 'I've been quite curious as to what you wished to discuss. Our conversations are always so enlightening."
She smiles when she catches sight of the table, and the teapot already sitting there with three mugs.
Just like old times.
Yensid chuckles, "Gil couldn't resist training, I see."
"He was excited to get some practice in with his hammer, and there are a few who also asked for hammers that he wants to work with."
"Now that is a sight I wish to see," Yensid grins as he takes a seat.
"It's fun to watch him work," she agrees easily before she takes the teapot in her hands and warms it, "he's really liking the god hammer."
Yensid's lips twitch, "yes, well, I would imagine a hammer crafted by a god as a gift to another god would be very difficult to dislike."
From everything her father said about his family, it was strange to her that they were sending him gifts.
Unless, like he assumed, they were taunting him.
But that was a lot of work to simply taunt him.
She shakes her head clear before she sets the softly whistling teapot down.
"Thank you," Yensid nods as he pours water into their cups.
"I um, I was a little glad Gil had something else he wanted to do," she admits as she stands to put the extra mug away.
"Oh?" Yensid turns his full attention to her, "what can I assist you with?"
She pauses with her back to him, smiling at how easily he accepted her wanting to keep something a secret.
She loved her family with every ounce of herself, but she also knew how much they would hate what she was going to try to do.
What she hoped she would be able to do.
She bites her lip as she turns to face Yensid, "I uh-" her fingers rub against her talisman, "I thought I'd gotten a new ability, when my father dumped all the memories on me."
Yensid frowns, "a most grievous act."
She shakes her head as she slips back into her chair and wraps her hands around the warm mug, "I thought I had his soul gaze, which, believe me, I'm happy I don't."
"My Girl, that sounds quite frightening. I can understand why you'd feel burdened with such an ability."
"But, it got me thinking." She runs her thumbs along the handle of the mug, "well, actually, a lot of things got me thinking."
Yensid smiles, "I'm interested to hear what has you so lost on this topic."
She frowns when she looks up and finds him watching her, "I am, worried."
"That is understandable, there is much to be concerned with."
"And everyone is doing a great job taking care of most of it," she quickly adds, "I just, keep thinking about the letters."
Yensid steeples the tips of his fingers together pensively, "I see," he taps his fingers together rhythmically, "does this path you're pursuing deal with the letters? Say, getting some to Auradon, perhaps?"
She bites her lip as she nods, "I just, I was so angry when I thought I'd developed another power, and then angry when it wasn't. And then he just showed up at the cove, complaining about how much he missed being able to just pop wherever he wanted to go-" she shakes her head.
"It sounds like you are having complicated feelings on this matter-" He frowns, "but I also sense that's not why you've come to me, rather so the 'popping' piece."
"I mean," she leans over her mug, her heart racing as she finally puts words to the half formed thoughts and images, "if I have fire like he does. And I'm stronger like he is, and for a moment I thought I had soul gaze like him. Why couldn't I get his ability to teleport? Myself, or something like a letter?"
"Quite the quandary indeed," he nods as his eyes narrow in thought. "I am not certain how Olympian powers develop, but I also believe at this juncture it would be foolish not to have you attempt to," He tilts his head, "'kick-start' that ability."
She sighs in relief before she leans back in her seat and takes a sip of her tea.
"So, I find myself needing to ask, is this a conversation that will be staying between us?"
"Please." She nods slowly.
He nods, "if that is your wish, I see no harm in accommodating it."
"I just, they worry so much-"
"As true families are ones to do."
"And I know we have a lot we're about to start."
"Deez, I do believe everyone has a secondary task taken on, I see no reason why this shouldn't be yours. If we could get word to Auradon about the state of things, we could avoid so much pain and suffering."
"And if I can't do it-" she closes her eyes, "I don't think I could handle their disappointment."
Though, now that she was thinking about it, she wasn't sure she could handle any disappointment.
"That doesn't sound like the Family I know, however, I can see where your hesitation lies."
"I just, I already got to do something once. Got to make a difference-"
Had a miracle.
Prince Ben-
"My Dear Child, this isn't about who's the best-This is about doing your best. There is quite the difference, and one I implore you to ponder upon."
"I'm not trying to be the best-"
"Then tell me why it matters that you already did something?"
She blinks, "because, because getting the Core out of here was my wish coming true. And it's selfish to want more, but I do."
He shakes his head, "getting Carlos's family out of here wasn't a mere wish. It was a need for you. A compulsion. You dedicated yourself wholly to your endeavor, and through that tedium you accomplished your goal."
"I-" she tilts her head, "yeah, I guess it is a compulsion. I don't want to just be the key for Hades, I want-Need-"
"Deez," He pauses her, "I need you to listen to me, can you do that?"
She frowns.
He'd never interrupted her before. No matter how hard it was for her to explain something, he always sat patiently while she stumbled through it.
Had she done something wrong?
She slowly nods as she swallows the lump in her throat.
"You are so much more than a simple key. You are an intelligent, diligent, hardworking girl, who has dedicated her young life to doing the impossible, and succeeding. There would be no hope for us, if you lost yours. So, Dear Girl, do not let the voice of your father drown out the love of your family."
Was that what she was doing? Listening to her father instead of her family?
She slowly pulls her hands away from her mug.
Was she?
She'd been feeling spoiled by her family recently.
Sheltered.
Protected.
And she loved it, but it also made her feel-
Guilty.
They loved her, and she them.
And if anyone deserved to be free of this place, it was her family.
She presses her fingers against her temples.
Her family and everyone they were protecting.
Why did that make her feel selfish?
She'd thought freeing everyone of this Isle would be like her personal act of rebellion against her father.
Her way of getting revenge for all the times he lied to her.
Took her away from the people who cared about her.
Had another literally kill her to see if a power would spark.
All to free him.
So, wanting to do this for her family-
Wanting to be their beautiful key to freedom-
Why did that make her want to cry?
Why did it worry Yensid?
He didn't seem mad, so why did she feel like she had done something wrong?
She presses her fingers harder into her temples.
"I'm sorry."
Yensid frowns, "Deez, there's nothing to apologize for. Your father has spoken poison into your ears from birth. It is no wonder you think so little of yourself. Why you can't see the hundreds of marvelous things you've accomplished and the wonderfully kind and compassionate soul you are. It hurts to watch you struggle with it, but it's understandable."
"I, I'm trying to hear my family. Hear you and ignore him." And she did try, with every breath, "but, I don't know how to explain things sometimes."
Yensid furrows his brow, "perhaps in this circumstance it would be best to reach for your family when you need a reminder of who you really are, versus the person your father expects you to be."
"I will." She nods, "I'll ask. But um, about being able to maybe, send a letter?"
Yensid shakes his head before he sighs, "of course, back to business I see." He nods, "What are you thinking?"
"Can I learn something like that? He says all the gods can do it, but I'm only a demi."
He strokes his beard pensively, "I don't see any reason we shouldn't try, it might be our only hope when everything comes to pass."
"Then, I need to push myself. Like I did with T when I figured out how to use my fire underwater." She shivers at the memory, "I know you don't know much about Olympian gods, but is there something I need to think or do? Like how my emotions are linked with my flames?"
"I don't imagine it would be much different than any other, learning to teleport. It will take an immense amount of mental focus, a complete comprehensive understanding of mental imagery, and a vast amount of will."
"I can do that!" She sits up straighter in her seat.
"I have no doubt about that," Yensid chuckles, "so if you put in the work, I'm sure if the ability lies dormant in you, you'll awaken it with the right amount of effort."
She blinks at the burning blur.
How badly had she needed to hear that?
Hear Yensid, her mentor and the only adult she respected, tell her if she wanted it badly enough, she was capable.
Again.
How many times did she need to hear it?
"Thank you." she whispers
"Any time, my dear, it is always a pleasure to converse with you." He smiles, "but if you don't talk to your family, I will. You are much too good of a person to be assaulted by his words every time you start to doubt yourself."
"But I don't have to tell them I'm still trying to get a letter to Auradon?"
"Correct," He nods, "that is a secret we can keep."
"And, you'll let me push myself?"
"You'll have more room for error with me than most of your family."
She snorts, "since I know how hard I'll have to push myself, I'm counting on it."
"Rest assured I will monitor you along the way lest you push yourself to the point others could find out."
"I feel better knowing that."
"I am here to help in any manner I can, whenever you need. Never hesitate to come out of fear of your family's knowledge. I am well versed in the art of subterfuge."
Faustina's point that if they didn't speak about what she saw with T, then neither would become a liar echoes in her head.
What a strange connection to make.
But, thinking of Faustina.
"I'm so grateful for that," she takes a sip of her tea and sets it aside, "have you, um, have you seen Faustina since coming back?"
"I have not," He shakes his head, "should I inquire into her?"
"But not because I mentioned it." She nods firmly.
"Of course," He nods, "is there a specific concern that I should direct my focus?"
"A um, new thing that makes T act very-" her eyes widen as she takes a deep breath, "well, different is a, um, understatement that I, again, never mentioned."
"Understood, mum is the word." He nods, "though you have piqued my interest."
"Good." she nods as she picks up her mug again, "cool. Cool. Cool. Cool."
"I see," his lip twitches, "so it is like that then."
"I saw nothing." She takes a sip to hide her smile.
Her relieved, oh thank father this isn't my problem anymore, smile.
"Indubitably," he chuckles.
Never a dull moment with this crew.
He wished they could have a few dull moments, a few spare seconds where they could relax and breathe.
But they couldn't, not with Shan Yu and Atilla suddenly making their move.
Deez was not wrong, there was a lot going on.
In any other circumstance, he would have cautioned against taking on another project. Especially one of this magnitude.
He wasn't entirely sure how the powers of the Olympians worked, but he knew that, if it was possible, Deez would find a way
It pained him how deep Hades' influence over the girl went. How easily, even surrounded by the love and support of her hard won family, she could sink into feeling worthless.
A key.
His hands ball into fists at his sides as he pauses in the hall, resting his back against the cool rock wall as he takes a deep breath.
A key.
The god of death, bereft of his powers and banished to an Isle of mortal villains, brought a daughter into the world and raised her to be his key to freedom.
It bothered him, more than he ever would have thought possible, that she accepted it.
Accepted it and constantly applied her 'role' to other areas in her life.
Like becoming a key for her family.
A beautiful sentiment, taking what her father made her and using it for the people she loved.
A beautiful sentiment, to one who didn't know of the subtext behind the metaphor.
Which he did, and he didn't need to be a psychologist to understand the damage that would inflict.
In a much different way, he'd lived it.
He shakes his head, banishing the cold images of his childhood as he pushes off the wall.
He'd promised to check in with Faustina.
An easily kept promise, since Deez had piqued his interest.
He falters, interrupting his step as he tilts his head to the side and smiles.
Clever.
That clever girl.
She'd deflected.
That she had done so was not a surprise. It was what she did every time she became uncomfortable or overwhelmed.
No, the unexpected part was how easily he'd taken it.
The thought of Faustina experimenting with new concoctions was exciting, and he was eager to see how her subtle abilities affected her work.
So he'd pulled a few books from his bag to give Deez a starting place, told her she could stay in his room, and quickly made his way here.
He taps a finger to his nose as he walks into Faustina's work cave.
He would have to congratulate Deez later. It was rare for one to pull the wool over his eyes at his age.
"Very clever indeed." He chuckles as he looks around.
Faustina was at the other end of the cave, fully invested in a small beaker she was slowly adding another liquid to, drop by drop.
He tugs at his beard as he walks over, frowning at the broken dark glass bottle she was filling her dropper from.
Rum?
"Well, this looks interesting."
"Are you alone?" Faustina asks, not turning from her task.
"Well," his eyes drift to the table with Uma sleeping under a pile of furs and blankets, "I am unaccompanied. Though it does not appear, we are alone."
Faustina nods as she places down the beaker and jots something down before she starts stirring the dark contents. "Very."
He grins, "and what are you adding the rum to?" he asks as he lifts the bottle of alcohol and lightly sniffs.
Well, mostly rum.
"A morally ambiguous serum that makes me question my scruples."
"Ah." He shifts to glance at her notes over her shoulder, "morally gray areas have a tendency to raise questions."
"Yes, well, curiosity got the best of me and here we are." She glances at him, "Is Deez overly worried?"
He chuckles, "she may have used you as a diversion, though she was very unspecific in why I would be interested in speaking to you."
Faustina's lip twitches, "always happy to aid and abet in such occasions."
He snorts as he tugs his beard again, "indeed. You two are a formidable pair." He glances over the list of herbs before he sighs, "I am woefully uninformed of the properties of the local flora."
She turns to him curiously as she sets down her beaker before she walks away and retrieves something, "Here," She offers him a battered notebook with familiar plants drawn all over the cover. "It's everything I've been able to compile to date," she taps a cleaner page that stood askew, "as of yesterday."
He steps aside to give her more space before he sits on the edge of the table and looks over her herbal diary, "this is fascinating. While I brush up on these, what is it about your serum that is making you question your morals?"
She returns to her station and continues where she left off, "I'm not particularly fond of forcing others to speak of things they'd rather not share."
He frowns as he slowly lowers the notebook, "I can see where that might give you pause."
"Yet, it isn't beneath me."
He looks from the notebook in his hands to the notes beside the beaker.
He'd only found one of the herbs on the list so far, but from what he could understand-
Had Faustina created a truth serum?
From the herbs of the Isle?
"Not when it could mean life or death to one of us. As far as I'm concerned, the larger our peculiar arsenal, the more chances to throw off our enemy-The better in my opinion."
"My dear woman," he smiles as he sets the notebook aside and stands, keeping his hands out in front of him as he approaches her, "you are a rarity in our scholarly community." He gently takes her by the shoulders, "in a situation where you could have been satisfied with being able to accomplish such an impossible task, you've stopped and considered the wider implications of your discovery."
Red blossoms on her cheeks as she searches his eyes for deceit.
"My dear, you will find nothing but admiration and respect for you in my eyes."
Her cheeks darken as she dropped her eyes, "that is very high praise coming from one with your prestige." She shifts as she begins to fidget. "Thank you."
His eyes narrow as he spots splotches of blue, green, and yellow coloring the left side of her face.
"Praise that is more than deserved," he squeezes her shoulders encouragingly, "I would enjoy being able to assist you in your endeavor, but first," he releases her shoulder and takes a half step back, "may we talk about what happened to the side of your face?"
"Oh," She crinkles her nose before she shakes the bottle in her hands, "this. T finally skidded across one of Deez's lines."
"Deez? Deez, hit T?" He hazards a guess.
While he was very aware of Deez's potential for chaos and destruction, he also knew how much that bothered the young girl.
"Oh, it was just an open hand slap, which is fascinating because I've never seen her slap someone, but that had been pure unadulterated indignation." She tilts her head, "actually now that I'm looking back on it, perhaps that's why she's never slapped anyone like that, no one's ever spoken so unwarranted to her before."
"Ah." He frowns as he tugs at his beard, "perhaps this is yet more proof that she has full control of her fire, instead of the flames being ruled by her emotions."
Faustina nods, "I'm really proud of her, I know from personal experience how difficult it is to keep your composure."
"Indeed, it is something I also struggle with from time to time," He slowly settles back against the table, "I am sorry you have to share the pain of your brother's actions though."
"My ointment helps," She shrugs, "and even if I had, I've trained him into drinking a brew with no preemptive questioning."
"So, you experimented on yourself," he deftly hides his grin behind his fingers as he rests his fist against his chin, "but through your brother."
Which was what Uma had been trying to avoid.
"I know it wasn't the most brilliant conclusion I've arrived at, but I don't want more people knowing about this than there needs to be."
"I see." He slowly nods as he picks up the notebook, "very wise of you."
"I don't want to see something so trivial as the truth rip apart what we've built here."
He leans forward to look over her notes about the concoction, "well, when in the wrong hands, anything may end up becoming a weapon."
"I believe you're missing worried hands."
"Also true."
How often had he seen well-meant intentions warped by power?
"How may I assist you?" He offers again.
She slowly turns back to him, "right now my goal is to thin the concentration. As of the moment, it would be difficult to upend it down someone's throat, which just doesn't work for its intended use."
He nods as he releases her and rubs his fingers over his chin, "a conundrum, as thinning it out runs the risk of altering the desired effects and duration."
She nods before she gestures to the distiller, "I'm doing my best to work the saps involved to an oil in hopes that will help. But as for the leaves and roots? We don't particularly have time for me to dry them, so I can grind them to powder- And even if I could, I'm not sure how it would have the desired effect." She turns to him, "any thoughts or input would be most graciously appreciated."
"I have a few basic concepts we could try." He reaches into his robes and pulls out his own notebook, "I am assuming this is a serum that will be most used in the field, so it needs to be easily accessed, discreet, and fast acting."
What a thrill, in the middle of all this chaos and uncertainty, to be excited over alchemical and chemical quandaries.
"I believe that sums it up," she nods.
"That would take a level of refinement, which is a lengthy process. I'm not sure that you want to pursue that at this time."
"I do not mind amending my intentions, they were rather ambitious. I would just like it viable so that T may be outfitted with it before they return to the Isle."
"I agree." He jots down a few notes before he turns and references her herbal diary, "I can't help but notice you have another formula you seem to be working on as well."
"Oh," she smiles brightly, "Rush. I'm quite pleased with it." She motions to Uma, "as I believe our sated Captain is as well."
He writes down a few equations before he looks up again, "Rush?" His lips curve into an amused smile, "as in a rush of energy?"
She nods, "I think I accidentally stumbled my way through releasing adrenaline." She shakes her head before she turns to him, "I'd previously conducted preliminary trials of both bases as these were old experiments I'd discarded due to the lack of results I had been seeking at the time."
"Many of the most influential discoveries of our times have been failed experiments in other areas." He raises an eyebrow as he looks Uma over, "I assume this is the explanation behind the Captain's successful shark hunt?"
"She succeeded then?" Faustina's lips curve into a smile as she eyes the Captain with adoration, "she collapsed quite instantaneously upon her return. No wonder she was glowing. How exhilarating that had to be for her."
"Freddie is certainly worked up over it. Apparently she took out three, but left one behind for the swarm." He chuckles, "there's going to be a feast tonight."
Which was appropriate, as he was only waiting for the captain to wake up, so he could give her the enchanted rusty, setting into motion their hunt for the Isle Borns that were taken.
Faustina's smile brightens as her pen sweeps across the page, before it pauses, "wait, did you say three?"
"Hmm? Three?" He shakes his head before he nods, "ah yes, three sharks."
Faustina turns to Uma curiously, "how interesting, Rush far exceeded my expectations." She sighs, "I had not anticipated that."
"For those under its influence to accomplish tasks greater than they would usually test themselves with?"
"The tunnel vision is going to be the cause of concern."
"Perhaps only when unexpected." He frowns before he tugs at his beard thoughtfully, "though, was it tunnel vision for Uma to wish to fill the bellies of everyone? Especially knowing many of her Generals will be heading out on a dangerous mission soon?"
She lifts an expectant eyebrow, "Our cautious Captain just took down three sharks, impressive- actually, amazingly impressive, or not, there will be reservations." She turns back to Uma, "though I suppose the extent of them will be indeterminate until she recovers." She crosses her arms and taps her fingers against them, "albeit I am still incredibly pleased, perhaps selfishly so, with Rush's fruitfulness."
"I believe you will have a better understanding of how it affects decision-making once you are able to speak with Uma. And if you must," he leans forward to tap the equations he'd written down for her, "you will be able to make changes."
She turns back to him with a nod, "I appreciate your wisdom on the matter. No point in fretting before there is reason to be fretting."
"Indeed." He pulls out another small book, one of his own diaries, so to speak, before he scribbles a few notes into it.
She chuckles before she turns to busy herself in her project. "It's been forever since I've felt this invigorated."
"There is a certain quality to creating that sparks energy." He smiles as he passes her the notebook, "what do you think of these equations?"
She smiles as her eyes sweep over the formula's, "exquisite." She turns to copy them into her book. "I appreciate you filling in some of those variables, it's going to make production much smoother."
"I will say, those equations have saved me much time during experimental processes, I am happy to be able to pass them to you."
"It is very much appreciated, your conversions alone and willingness to offer me your wisdom, knowledge, and advice are most graciously welcomed." She adds as she holds it back out for him.
He holds a hand up, "That's yours now. I make it a point to give all my promising students their own notebook."
"Are you certain? We're in short supply, and it's so-" she eyes it, "pristine."
"I have several more stored away if needed."
"If you're sure," She secures the book to her chest, "I'd really love to rewrite my findings in something that won't flutter away with the slightest gust."
He covers a smile with one hand as he pulls five more notebooks from the concealed magical pocket, "then here. You'll need more room for your life's work."
She steps back, "as much as I truly appreciate your offer, I'd rather come to you for another if that's okay? I'd hate for something to happen to such fresh pages."
"My dear, I have plenty more where these came from. Please," he sets them on the table, "I know how hard it can be to stop while in the middle of such exciting work."
Her eyes return to the books with interest, "I've never had enough books to code my work before, it would make things easier." She bites her lip, "are you sure?"
"So long as I get to read them after." He smiles.
"Deal!" She chirps as she takes them and gathers the pile to her chest. "Thank you so much, I promise I will make sure I'll keep my notes as precise and succinct." She bounces on her feet, "I really appreciate this, thank you."
Such a small gift, in the grand scheme of things.
A space to call one's own.
Clean paper.
A place where the things you valued could be stored.
And yet, these simple notebooks evoked nearly the same reaction with each person he'd handed one out to.
Disbelief.
Self consciousness.
Hesitation.
Fear.
And then bartering.
As if they all believed they had to do something to earn a clean place for their thoughts.
And then wonderful excitement.
"You are most welcome, and I can not wait to see what you fill the pages with."
"Me too." She returns with a brilliant smile, "you're always so thoughtful and kind to us, you have my sincerest gratitude."
"It is not only my pleasure to encourage you, it is also the least I can do."
The least he would ever allow himself to do.
All the years he wasted-
"Your least far extends past other's most."
On an Isle of villains, he couldn't argue that.
"And yet is still less than you all deserve."
Her curious gaze turns pensive, "it's more than I've ever expected to receive from an adult. Your guidance and perceptions are priceless, and you offer it to us so freely. And the pride you have in each of us? It was wholly inconceivable just a mere few months ago. You think it's the least you can do-" She pauses, "but it was the exact amount we could accept without suspicion or skepticism of your intentions. Much more would have sent Carlos running for certain, and T never would have accepted you being purely benevolent-Which would probably have put Deez on edge."
He frowns.
He'd thought it many, many times before, but he could not have prepared himself to hear the words spoken aloud.
It was the reason he'd had to stay to himself so much in the past.
The reason he offered so little at a time in the beginning.
He feared losing them.
Her words dissolve a weight on him, letting his breath come easier.
"Thank you." He rubs his fingers over his beard before he walks over and hugs Faustina, "I apologize for invading your space. Especially after being told what I needed to remember."
Faustina hesitantly hugs him, "It's alright," She offers softly, "though I do appreciate your consideration." She looks up at him, "as for the rest? We all need reminders that we aren't the monsters we think ourselves."
"Wise words," he chuckles before he takes a step back, "and something we should be on the lookout for with each other in the coming days."
She sighs as she nods her head, "isn't that the unfortunate truth."
Faustina's lip twitches, "always happy to aid and abet in such occasions."
I know-
I know-
I'm always sucking my own dick, but that's just plain fucking funny- Mostly because it's true.
I still haven't decided who is worse when it comes to aiding and abetting D, T, or Faustina but it's definitely a close race, with Harry sliding in at four.
Anyone wanna let us know your thoughts on that one? I wanna know…
Moving on;
Who saw Uma downing that tonic? Cause, like, Faustina explaining the potential consequences was priceless-
That being said, being honest, Faustina was pretty damn sure it wasn't lethal before Uma took it. Only Uma's was a larger dose.
So, we all know in Hercules the gods could teleport-
*Raise your hand if you remember that*
-but do you think we've given D the potential for that ability?
*Grumbles* Especially after navigating the deus ex machina's in our fucking Supernatural series, now that was a fucking mess if there ever was one. Do you know how hard it is to fuck with your character when angels and gods are involved? A fucking nightmare, I assure you. *finishes grumble*
I mean, yeah…
Doesn't mean she ain't gonna give it the good old college try, because you know, if any one has mastered head against the walling, it's definitely D.
And I just love D and Yensid scenes, they're always so intellectual and philosophical. It's always so a challenge to write him-
Can you guys tell when who is writing Yensid? Because much like Ben we share him depending who he's talking to-
Namely with one on ones.
Speakin' of, Yensid and Tina banter/convo's is life.
I love how fascinated he gets with her thoughts and experiments. And I love how much she respects and admires him.
Hmmm…
Yeah, can't think of anything else…
Much love
-Twisted